Pythagoras,Socrates and Plato all believed in reincarnation and this was just one facet of Hellenic influence that had become pervasive throughout the Jewish worldby the 1st century. Reincarnation had become absorbed into orthodox Jewish faith before the advent of Christ and Jewish historian Josephus reveals that it was largely embraced by the Pharisees. Josephus also tells us that the Essenes- for whom Jesus drew so many of his followers- were devotees of Pythagoras for whom reincarnation wa...